Definition
A noun clause is a group of words that functions as a noun within a sentence. Unlike regular nouns (which are single words), noun clauses are complete clauses with both a subject and a verb. They can act as subjects, objects, or subject complements.
Function
Noun clauses can perform various functions within a sentence, just like traditional nouns. They can act as subjects, objects, objects of prepositions, and more. Let’s explore these functions in detail.
Subject of Verb
Noun clauses can take the place of a traditional noun as the subject of a sentence, the one performing the action. For example, in the sentence “What he said surprised us,” the words “What he said” are the noun clause serving as the subject. They typically begin with words like “what,” “whatever,” “who,” or “whoever.”
• Example: What she said made everyone smile.
Object of Verb
Just like regular nouns, noun clauses can receive the action of a verb. In “I heard what she whispered,” the words “what she whispered” serve as the object, receiving the action of hearing.
• Example: She explained why she was late.
Object of Preposition
Noun clauses can also be the object of a preposition, clarifying relationships in more complex sentences. In “I am curious about what you discovered,” the phrase “what you discovered” acts as the object of the preposition “about.”
Example: I am curious about what you discovered.
Subject Complement
In some sentences, a noun clause plays the role of a subject complement, completing the meaning of the sentence.
• Example: His goal is to find out whether he passed the exam.
Following is a list of words that can introduce noun clause
How
If
That
What
When
Where
Whether
Which
Who
Whom
Whose
Why
Type Noun Clause
Noun clauses can be categorized based on their content and the role they play within a sentence. Some common types include:
Declarative Noun Clause
These clauses state information or facts within the noun clause.
Examples:
I know that billy made a mistake
The truth was that the moving company lost all your furniture
Interrogative Noun Clause
Clause that is used to ask questions often begins with words like who, what, when, where, why, or how.
Examples:
• Tell me what you want for dinner.
Relative Noun Clause
These provide additional information about a noun and begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, or that.
Examples:
• The person who won the competition is my friend.
• The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
Conclusion
A noun clause is a group of words that functions as a noun in a sentence, similar to a noun. They are complete clauses with a subject and a verb, and can function as subject, object, or subject complement. A noun clause can replace a traditional noun as the subject of a sentence, receive the action of a verb, or act as the object of a preposition.
It can function as a subject complement, completing the meaning of the sentence.
Noun clauses can be categorized based on their content and role in the sentence. For example
include declarative clauses, which state information or facts, interrogative clauses, which ask questions, and relative clauses, which are used to describe the subject or object of a sentence.
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